Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved 15 general and other measures, the promulgation of a treaty, a draft bill, cabinet orders, and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister for Reconstruction made a statement concerning the establishment of national memorials symbolizing the reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake; the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications made a statement concerning the results of the labor force survey, the consumer price index, and the results of the household budget survey; the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare made a statement concerning the national ratio of jobs to applicants for September 2014; Minister Arimura made a statement concerning the FY2014 Children and Young People’s Development Support Month; the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare made a statement concerning the FY2014 Child Abuse Prevention Promotion Month; and I made a statement concerning the heads of independent administrative agencies.

In ministerial discussions following the Cabinet meeting, the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications made a statement concerning the results of an inspection regarding personal information management at administrative agencies and other entities.

Prior to today’s Cabinet meeting, there was a meeting of the Electricity Supply-Demand Review Meeting. The electricity supply-demand measures for winter 2014 were deliberated and decided. With regard to this winter’s electricity supply and demand, it is expected that there will be power supply capability necessary to provide stable power supply for all areas. Therefore, the Government will request general power saving not accompanied by a numerical target in all areas serviced by Japan’s electric power companies, excluding the areas serviced by Okinawa Electric Power Company. This will be in effect from December 1 to March 31. Hokkaido is a cold area and a tight electricity supply and demand situation could threaten the lives and safety of the people. A number of measures will thus be implemented in areas serviced by Hokkaido Electric Power Company, including the Program for Emergency Adjustments to Prevent Rolling Blackouts. Based on the situation, such as electricity demand trends and the circumstances of the power plants, the Government will consider the implementation of additional supply-demand measures as needed, including requesting power saving accompanied by a numerical target. We would like to ask for the cooperation of the people in carrying out the power saving and energy conservation measures.

During today’s Cabinet meeting, the Cabinet approved the appointment, effective today, of Dr. Makoto Suematsu, Dean of the School of Medicine, Keio University, as the president of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), an independent administrative agency to be launched on April 1, 2015. In addition, while they are not personnel decisions of the Cabinet, I would like to announce that Mr. Shingo Majima, a certified public accountant, and Prof. Kimiko Murofushi of the Endowed Research Division of Human Welfare Sciences, Ochanomizu University were appointed as auditors of AMED, effective today.

Moving onto the investigations of North Korea’s Special Investigation Committee. I would like to give you an overview of the results of the dispatch of Japanese Government officials to Pyongyang from October 27 to 30. Over the course of two days, October 28 and 29, Japanese Government officials and members of the Special Investigation Committee, including Chairman So Tae-ha, two Vice Chairmen, and heads of the subcommittees, held talks, consultations, and question and answer sessions for approximately ten and a half hours. North Korea explained the composition of the Committee and its branches in provinces. It explained that the Committee would conduct objective and scientific investigations, putting an emphasis on witnesses and physical evidence, and that it would carry out all-inclusive investigations from new angles without dwelling on past investigation results. In addition, North Korea explained that the Special Investigation Committee is granted special authority from the National Defense Commission, which is the highest branch of the North Korean Government, and that thorough investigations would be conducted, including investigations of the special agency. With regard to the abduction issue, North Korea explained that it was investigating the details, including whether or not the individual Japanese victims of abduction entered North Korea, the background, and the abductees’ living situation. North Korea explained that it was re-investigating relevant facilities, including the guesthouses where the victims were staying, while at the same time searching for new physical evidence, witnesses, and other sources. With regard to the other issues, North Korea provided a detailed explanation of the investigation methodology and the current status of the investigations. In principle, North Korea’s explanations concerned the current status of the investigations. North Korea did not provide us any results of the investigations, including new details, such as information on the abduction issue. Japan repeatedly underscored that the abduction issue is an absolute priority for Japan, and strongly urged North Korea to carry out the investigations promptly and notify the results to Japan as quickly as possible. The Government will continue to make every effort to realize the return to Japan of all victims of abduction. 

Q&As

• The issue of the abductions
• The issue of GRIF reform
• The Japan-China relations

REPORTER: How do you evaluate the consultations on the abduction issue? Based on the outcome, what measures will the Government be taking to realize tangible achievements?  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the Japanese delegation met in person with the officials responsible from the Special Investigation Committee, including Chairman So Tae-ha, and made clear the position of the Japanese Government, including that the abduction issue is an absolute priority for Japan. The delegation was also able to gauge the current status of the investigations. This was significant. In particular, by dispatching officials to Pyongyang, Japan was able to convey to the North Korean leadership that Japan was strongly determined to resolve the abduction issue. Japan expects that these outcomes will contribute to North Korea conducting the investigations promptly and notifying the results as quickly as possible.

REPORTER: My question is related to the previous question. I apologize for any overlap, but could you tell us what discussions took place regarding the steps the Government will be taking to realize these achievements? Also, could you tell us what was discussed regarding the deadline for North Korea’s submission of results? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As of now, it is not yet decided whether North Korea will be explaining and reporting the results all at one time, as was the case in the recent consultations, or whether this will be done via continual updates. In any case, the Government will be strongly urging North Korea to conduct the investigations promptly and report the results quickly.

REPORTER: I have a related question. According to one of the North Korean officials, the Special Investigation Committee will be carrying out all-inclusive investigations from new angles without dwelling on past investigation results. What does this mean? How does the Government interpret this? In the past, North Korea explained that there were abductees who had died and abductees who were not confirmed as having entered North Korea. Does this mean North Korea is starting the investigations from zero?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As you noted in your question, North Korea’s response had been that the abduction issue was settled and that eight persons had died and four persons were not confirmed as having entered North Korea. During the recent consultations, however, the North Korean side explained that it would conduct investigations using an objective and scientific method in order to ensure the reliability of the investigations. They explained that further investigations would be conducted by referring to but not dwelling on past investigation results. We understand that North Korea will be proceeding with the investigations from zero, without dwelling on what it had been asserting.   

REPORTER: So in the end, what was North Korea’s explanation for the delay in the submission of the investigations results on the abduction issue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I stated moments ago, our number one objective was to inform the North Korean side, especially the leadership, that the abduction issue is Japan’s absolute priority, and that Japan is strongly determined to resolve this issue. In response, the North Korean side explained that it was investigating the details, including whether or not the individual abductees entered North Korea and the background. Furthermore, the North Korean side stated that it was searching for new physical evidence, witnesses, and other sources. The Japanese side made detailed inquiries from a variety of angles into the investigation methodology and the current status of the investigations, including in connection with the individual abductees. I would like to refrain from elaborating on the specific exchanges that took place. The North Korean side explained that it will be moving deeper into the investigations and would like to refrain from giving explanations about ongoing investigations that may invite speculations. Furthermore, the North Korean side explained that as of now, it has not been able to find objective and decisive materials.  

REPORTER: In previous press conferences and other instances, you stated that North Korea, as the perpetrator of the abductions, obviously has the information and that the investigations should not take too long. Despite this, questions nevertheless remain about why it is taking North Korea so long to conduct the investigations. Did you ask this to North Korea and were you able to obtain a response?  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government deems that North Korea of course possesses information about the Japanese nationals it has abducted. This is among the matters we fully asserted to the members of the Special Investigation Committee, including its Chairman.

REPORTER: What was their response?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from disclosing the details.

REPORTER: As for the special agency that will be investigated thoroughly, is it correct to understand that this refers to the party that conducted the abductions? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of the details. However, in any case, the Special Investigation Committee has received special authority, to investigate all related parties. Therefore I believe it is as you stated.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Did you receive any new information regarding the remains of Japanese nationals left in North Korea and “Japanese spouses”?  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In addition to the abduction subcommittee, the North Korean side provided various explanations about the other subcommittees. For example, with regard to the subcommittee on remains, it was explained that the subcommittee is investigating the status of the graveyards of Japanese nationals that have already been made known to Japan, and is also working to find new burial sites. Additionally, with regard to the subcommittee on the Japanese nationals left in North Korea and “Japanese spouses,” it was explained that the subcommittee is analyzing materials and is working to conduct hearings based on local investigations to confirm the identity of the people.         

REPORTER: In regard to the remains issue, during the consultations, the North Korean side stated that it would notify Japan of the investigation results that are currently known. Was no concrete information of any kind provided?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I just stated, the relevant subcommittee explained that it is investigating the status of the graveyards that have been referred to from before and is also working to find new burial sites. We were not notified of any investigation results, including any concrete information. 

REPORTER: Based on the explanations received, do you assess that North Korea is conducting reliable and sincere investigations overall?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We deem that North Korea possesses information about all the Japanese nationals it has abducted. Nevertheless, this was the report it provided. In any case, the purpose of the dispatch from the start was to make it fully clear to the officials responsible from North Korea that the abduction issue is an absolute priority for Japan. I believe we were able to accomplish this.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a follow-up question. I get the impression that North Korea is just further delaying the submission of its results. What is your assessment of this? Also, it appears as though the Japanese side has no coercive power and cannot find a way out of the situation so to speak. It seems Japan has no other option but to simply wait until North Korea submits the results. Am I wrong?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan’s stance is to resolve this issue based on dialogue and pressure, indeed, based on the fundamental principle of action for action. The door to negotiations had been closed for a long time. Those were the circumstances at the time. However, based on Prime Minister Abe’s determination to do everything he can to realize the return to Japan of all of the victims of abduction while his administration is in power, we began negotiations with North Korea. This is not a simple matter, so we will not see results immediately. I believe everyone understands this. Nevertheless, at the very least, I can say that the investigations will not drag on forever. The Government will take steady steps to urge North Korea to complete the investigations in around one year.   

REPORTER: I just have one more question. I believe Japan had also raised the issue of the roughly 800 “unidentified missing Japanese probably related to North Korea.” For example, did North Korea say that the investigations are taking a lot of time because they are also investigating these missing people? Or did they say they are investigating the issue of the 12 abductees? The status of progress on these issues is not clear at all. Did North Korea say the investigations are taking time as there are some 800 people to investigate? Did they present any materials?    

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from answering questions about the over 800 people that you have alluded to as that may disrupt any future measures we decide to take. Any issues that may arise during the negotiations are still very much part of the negotiation process, and as such, I would like to refrain from commenting on them here. 

REPORTER: Regarding the abduction issue, earlier you said that the investigations would be completed in around one year. When the Japanese side requested that North Korea notify Japan of the results as quickly as possible, how did North Korea react exactly?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan is urging North Korea to continually update the Japanese side.

REPORTER: What was North Korea’s reaction?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from disclosing how North Korea responded. In any case, during the government-level negotiations, it was agreed that North Korea would continually update the Japanese side. Japan is thus urging North Korea to adhere to this agreement.

REPORTER: I have one more question. You said North Korea explained that it was proceeding with the investigations of the abductions. When the Japanese side informed the North Korean side that abductions were a priority for Japan, did the North Korean side express its understanding?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In our view, the Japanese side was able to fully convey its views.

REPORTER: During the recent consultations, did North Korea propose the lifting of Japanese sanctions based on the progress of the investigations of the abduction and other issues?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We were briefed that no references were made to the lifting of sanctions or humanitarian assistance during the delegation’s visit to North Korea.

REPORTER: The fact that Japanese Government officials had to go through the trouble of going to Pyongyang to communicate Japan’s position to the North Korean leadership suggests that the negotiations via Ambassador Song Il-ho to date did not have very much meaning. What is your assessment in this regard? 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: These are after all negotiations between two states, so first of all, diplomats were engaged in the negotiations. However, members of the State Security Department, which is a branch of the North Korean Government where power is concentrated, assumed responsibility for the investigations. The recent consultations were an opportunity to emphasize the importance of the abduction issue for Japan, and we of course consider that we were able to make Japan’s wishes clear to North Korea. 

REPORTER: My question is in regard to this matter. I assume that the two sides will continue to maintain communications through the embassy channel in Beijing. Now that the Japanese side has held talks for the first time with the officials responsible from the Special Investigation Committee, how will the Government conduct future coordination work? Will Japan be negotiating with Ambassador Song Il-ho through the Beijing embassy channel as before? Or will the Government conduct negotiations by securing lines of communication with the officials responsible with whom the Japanese side has now held talks for the first time?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, the Government has communicated Japan’s position to the officials at the center of power. We perceive that there are a variety ways of negotiating from this point forward.

REPORTER: It is indeed significant that the Government has directly communicated to the North Korean leadership the fact that Japan attaches the utmost priority to the abduction issue. However, the question is how to proceed from here. Simply repeating Japan’s position will not get us any further. In this regard, during the consultations, did the Japanese side propose, for example, that it would re-impose some of the sanctions Japan has lifted if North Korea postpones the submission of the report for far too long, as the Diet members’ caucus has suggested?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I stated, Japan will negotiate based on the principles of dialogue and pressure, and action for action.

REPORTER: I would like to confirm a related point. If I am not mistaken, you have long stated that the investigations would be completed in around one year. During the latest negotiations, did So Tae-ha or other members of the Special Investigation Committee agree or commit to completing the investigations in around one year?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, Japan has made this point clear during the government-level negotiations and during the recent consultations.

REPORTER: During the consultations, did North Korea present any materials such as documents or photographs? I presume there was explanation on this during the recent consultations. 

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I mentioned a short while ago, I would like to refrain from responding to questions about whether North Korea provided materials or whether we requested materials from North Korea regarding the 833 missing people and others, as that would disrupt any future measures.

REPORTER: Was anything decided about the next consultations, such as the dates or the venue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As of now, nothing has yet been decided.

REPORTER: The family members of the abductees were very wary about the delegation’s visit to North Korea, saying that the delegation will just be taken advantage of. Will the Government be able to provide explanations that can dispel the concerns of the family members and allow the Government to obtain their understanding?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I understand that Government officials will be giving an explanation to the family members shortly. The Government is taking the most optimal steps given the circumstances at hand.

REPORTER: You have long stated that the first report of the investigations would be submitted between the end of the summer and early autumn. It seems it would be better if there were a fixed deadline. What is your opinion on this?  

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I did not say this. The government-level negotiations started on the basis that North Korea would submit the report between the end of the summer and early autumn. The question is how long autumn should be extended for. In my opinion, we should proceed based on both common sense and the principles with which we have long addressed this issue.

REPORTER: I have a related question. During the previous consultations, North Korea explained that it was unable to report the results as the investigations were still in an early phase. Did North Korea explain what it meant by “early phase” and when it will be able to report the results to Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The discussions took place for ten and a half hours. During the discussions, the Government obviously asked North Korea what investigations it was conducting, what the current status of the investigations was, and other questions. Under these settings, North Korea provided a variety of explanations. The Government will be analyzing the different information obtained and proceed from there. 

REPORTER: Four months have already passed since the launch of the Special Investigation Committee. Does the Committee still perceive that the investigations are in an early phase?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I stated in my opening statement, the Special Investigation Committee explained its organizational structure and the investigations it was conducting. The Committee explained the details of the investigations. During the consultations, the Japanese side requested that the North Korean side swiftly report any information that comes to light as a result of the investigations.

REPORTER: I would like to return to the earlier question regarding whether or not it would be better to set a fixed deadline. You stated that the question is how long autumn should be extended for and that the Government will proceed based on common sense and its longstanding principles. Tomorrow is already November. From a common sense point of view, is it more like the end of the year at the earliest?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: From a common sense point of view, that will likely be the case.

REPORTER: Changing the subject, a number of media outlets have reported that the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) will be releasing its new policy asset mix by the end of today. Could you please once again explain the objective of the GPIF reform?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware that there were a variety of media reports regarding the GPIF. However, I myself am not aware of the details. In any case, I understand that following the recent Actuarial Valuation, the GPIF will adopt a new policy asset mix based on reviews carried out by the professionals comprising the GPIF’s Investment Advisory Committee and others. In the past, the Prime Minister has stated that he would make efforts to carry out reforms that would benefit pension recipients. During yesterday’s meeting of the Budget Committee as well, the Prime Minister responded that in line with this view he hoped that the revision would lead first of all to the stabilization of pension finances, and as a result, to the growth of the Japanese economy. I expect that the Prime Minister will proceed in line with this.

REPORTER: The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Beijing is coming up. I gather that Japan hopes to hold a Japan-China summit meeting, given how former Prime Minister Fukuda recently visited China and met with President Xi Jinping, among other developments. What is the outlook?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As Japan and China are the world’s third and second largest economies, they share a responsibility to secure peace and prosperity not only in this region but also in the world. In this regard, it is not a question of whether the leaders will or will not meet due to the issues that exist. Rather, it is all the more important that the leaders do in fact meet because of the issues that exist. In light of these circumstances, Japan has been making efforts to convey our views to China as best we can. For instance, I understand that the other day, former Prime Minister Fukuda and President Xi Jinping held a meeting. As for members of the Government, Deputy Prime Minister Aso held a meeting with the members of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China.      

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to return to the subject of the Japan-China summit meeting at APEC. There were several opportunities for developing closer ties with China, including the visit to China by the Diet members’ caucus during the holiday period in early May and former Prime Minister Fukuda’s meeting with President Xi Jinping in late July. Which events do you personally consider to have been turning points?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have not yet come to the turning point. Our basic view is that Japan-China relations are critical, and this is the exact same view that we have held since the inauguration of the Abe administration.

REPORTER: Everyone, including yourself, has said that Japan and China, the host country of the APEC meetings, should hold talks. Are you saying that even in spite of this, Japan cannot be too optimistic?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have consistently stated that it makes sense for the two sides to hold talks.